U.S.
Department of Homeland Security
U.S.
Department of Homeland Security
U.S. COAST GUARD AUXILIARY
DISTRICT 1SR, DIVISION 6
Archives 2005
Dick Birgler, DCP Donald Lloyd, VCP-06
News and Information From Past Editions
ARCHIVES 2004 ARCHIVES 2003 ARCHIVES 2002
DEC 05
FLOTILLA 66 HOLIDAY PARTY
Flotilla 66 acknowledged their Members’ accomplishments for 2004 and 2005 at
their end of year flotilla meeting and holiday dinner. Out going Flotilla Commander
Betsy Blee gave out a Crew Member certificate to Doug Brusa, and showed off their
new CG reflective signs, to be displayed on Broadway in Tarrytown. Betsy also
expressed her confidence in Jeff Grossman, who is take over as the new Flotilla
Commander next year, and gave him her shoulder boards as a symbol of the
change of command. They had a good turn out and enjoyed dinner and
fellowship after a short meeting. Click for Pictures of the Flotilla 66 Holiday Party
DEC 04
FLOTILLA 67 HOLIDAY PARTY
Flotilla 67’s Holiday Party was held Sunday, December 4th at 5:30pm at Henry’s on the Hudson in Peekskill. there was a large turnout and a good time was had by all.
Click the headline above to view photos from the party (taken by Bill Smith and Greg Porteus). It may take a few seconds for the slide show to start (wait for the "pause" button to show up between the two arrows). For best results, maximize your browser window.
26 NOV 05
Division 6 brings Thanksgiving dinner troops guarding the Hudson
NOV 05
Police Boat Returns To Duty
Issue Date: Professional Mariner #91 - October/November 2005
The storied history of Launch No. 5 floats in a circle of life, death and rebirth, the players so intertwined in family and work that there would seem to be one degree of separation, not six.
Designed
by the renowned Philip Rhodes and built at the Matton Shipyard in Cohoes, N.Y.,
in 1966, Launch No. 5 is a 52-foot steel-hull twin-screw diesel vessel that
served in the New York Police Department Harbor Unit for 30 years. It was named
Patrolman Henry A. Walburger, after an officer who was downed by gunfire while
defending a family from an intruder.
After the boat was retired, it was sold to private interests.
Later the boat was stripped and left to sink in the
Passaic River in New Jersey.
In 1998, retired N.Y. State Trooper Greg Porteus had a dream of converting a workboat to a pleasure craft. His cousin, Philip Porteus, retired from the U.S. Coast Guard and working in the New York Fire Department, got a tip on the launch's location from a Coast Guard buddy. When the pair found the boat, they could see the starboard running lights reaching up to the surface like the beckoning hand of a drowning man. The discovery marked the beginning of a four-year rebirthing process.
A
restored Patrolman Henry A. Walburger was ready for service on July 4, 2002.
The restoration of the launch was extensive. Greg's family and friends, within and without New York's police and fire departments, along with volunteers from the Coast Guard in the area, formed the nucleus of the volunteer effort. The late Hope Becker, an admirer of Philip Rhodes designs, also rallied to the call, keeping the troops true to the Rhodes tradition.
The restoration of the launch was extensive. Greg's family and friends, within and without New York's police and fire departments, along with volunteers from the Coast Guard in the area, formed the nucleus of the volunteer effort. The late Hope Becker, an admirer of Philip Rhodes designs, also rallied to the call, keeping the troops true to the Rhodes tradition.
Sgt.
Mike Murphy, a retired mechanic from the NYPD Harbor Unit launch repair shop,
was vital to the repowering effort. Bill Smith, an investment banker whose
father, Howard, worked with Greg's father, Gerald, in the Harbor Unit, is now
the official photographer and Web master.
Phil's father, Phil Sr., is also retired from the NYFD. Both Phil Sr. and Gerald have been Launch No. 5 boosters from the inception. Patrolman Walburger's son, retired Det. Henry Walburger, is an aspiring crewmember who is studying to join the rest of the volunteer crew, all qualified Coast Guard Auxiliary coxswains.
Donations of equipment and time also flooded in from Caterpillar, Raymarine, Echo Bay Marine Services, Zodiac, Icom and Standard Horizon. The Coast Guard supplies the fuel.
Launch No. 5 is based in Ossining, N.Y., on the east bank of the Hudson River about 30 miles north of New York City. The boat has been very busy since being pressed back into service saving lives, leading river cleanups, hosting educational sessions and providing tours for orphans, Scouts and other children's groups. Accounts of the boat's exploits, achievements and citations are on the website — www.launch5.com.
Greg doesn't seem to mind that Launch No. 5 has become much more a workboat than a pleasure boat. He is reaping more pleasure from the people the restored vessel has drawn and the deeds it has accomplished.
11 OCT 05
DIVISION 6 ELECTION RESULTS
At the October Division Meeting, Don LLoyd was elected Division Captain and Betsy Blee, Vice Captain, in an election certified by Commodore Tom Venezio at the Ossining Boat and Canoe Club. Dick Birgler was commended for a job well done for his service as DCP-06 over the past two years.
First District Southern Region (1SR) election results:
07 AUG 05
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Launch 5 Boat Crew Handles
Multiple SAR Cases On the Hudson
On Sunday, August 7, 2005 the crew of Launch 5, USCG Auxiliary flotilla 67,
Ossining, New York, handled four different emergency Search And Rescue (SAR)
cases. They included a vessel hard aground, a vessel on the rocks, and two disabled
Personal Watercraft (PWC). Click HERE for details.
06 AUG 05
TRAGEDY AVOIDED ON LAKE MAHOPAC
On Saturday August 6, 2005, while patrolling Lake Mahopac, Auxiliarists aboard USCG Auxiliary
Facility "Ciao Andiamo" discovered a PWC sinking in 32 feet of water. They took the PWC Operator
aboard and towed the disabled PWC to MacDonald Marina for repairs. Their fast response prevented
what could have become a tragedy.
28 JULY 05
MEMORIAL SERVICE ON THE HUDSON FOR TED KAMP
Ted Kamp, beloved founder of Flotilla 67,
United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, will go to his final rest on Thursday, July
28, 2005. Ted's ashes will be spread into the Hudson river he loved so well.
Friends and family will join together on Launch 5 for the service. Ted was known
for his kindness, generosity, and devotion to duty. He
will be missed.
Crossing the bar"
by Alfred, Lord Tennyson
Sunset and evening star
And one clear call for me!
And may there be no moaning of the bar
When I put out to sea,
But such a tide as moving seems asleep,
Too full for sound and foam,
When that which drew from out the boundless deep
Turns again home.
Twilight and evening bell,
And after that the dark!
And may there be no sadness of farewell,
When I embark;
For tho' from out our bourne of Time and Place
The flood may bear me far
I hope to see my Pilot face to face
When I have cross'd the bar.
23 JULY 05
Coast Guard Auxiliary saves 3 by Sing Sing Prison
By Wayne Spivak PA Chief - External Communications
A US Coast Guard Auxiliary crew, in conjunction with the Fire Department’s of Ossining and Irvington, N.Y. and the New York City Police Aviation Unit, rescued three people from the dark, cold waters of the Hudson River Saturday night, July 23, 2005.
A family outing, which included two children, aged 12 and 14, took their Jet Ski for a ride in the Hudson River. At approximately 8pm, a line, which was not properly secured in the Jet Ski, was accidentally sucked into the jet drive, causing the Jet Ski to lose all propulsion. Fortunately for the family, they brought along a handheld VHF marine radio and began to call for help.
Phil Porteus, an "off-duty" Auxiliarist, was monitoring an emergency scanner when he picked up on the call. After determining that the call was in fact a bona fide call for assistance, and it was a water rescue in his normal patrol area, Auxiliarist Porteus, activated the rest of his dispersed and off-duty crew and contacted Coast Guard Sector New York for authorization to launch. The Auxiliary facility, "Launch 5", and crew was underway by 9:30pm.
Thirty-five minutes after hearing the call for help, on a Saturday Night, “Launch 5” began what is called a barrier shoreline search pattern which was supervised by fellow crewmember, Auxiliarist Bill Smith. Crewmember Phil Porteus spotted a faint light by the infamous Sing Sing Prison Rocks, wherein Coxswain Greg Porteus immediately instituted a "man overboard" protocol. Assisting with the rescue was a NYPD Helicopter, which was able to use its altitude and high-powered searchlight to illuminate the three jet skiers. Again, to their credit, our jet skiers were all wearing their PFD's and had a working light with them.
"The continuous training that we receive from the Coast Guard enabled us to rescue these people as quickly as we did. This is another example of how important it is to be able to coordinate with outside agencies,” said Auxiliarist Greg Porteus of “Launch 5” All three jet skiers were transported safely back to waiting emergency crews of Ossining and Irvington Fire Departments.
"America’s Volunteer Lifesavers is not just another catchy slogan, it is true", claimed Coxswain Porteus.
16 JULY 05
DIVISION 6 PICNIC
Approximately
thirty members of the Division gather together on a overcast day for fun and
food at Lake Mahopac . We had plenty to eat, lots of laughs, cruised the scenic
lake by pontoon boat crewed by Jack Hayes and Jim D., and we all had an
opportunity to ride individually the Division's PWC escorted by Jimmy P, what a
great
time we had.
(DCP Dick Birgler and John Romero)
Thanks goes out
to our host the Mahopac VFW, and our Chef /coordinator FC, Peter Bazzo for the
terrific job of coordinating the event. We look forward to a bigger and
better picnic next year . Don Lloyd, VCP
Click below for more photos
09 JULY 05
Auxiliary Participates In Major Inter-agency Disaster Drill
The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary joined a number of local agencies on Saturday in conducting a joint emergency response drill on the Hudson River in New York. The exercise involved the simulated rescue of ferry passengers, a man overboard drill and an underwater hull search.
The USCG Auxiliary members
provided perimeter security, transported "victims" to waiting units on shore,
and ferried personnel and the media between vessels.” While this exercise was
pre-planned, in light of this weeks terrorist attacks in London, it underscores
local governments and the Coast Guard's resolve to prepare for and respond to
events that may occur here in the United States", said the Director of Auxiliary
for the First CG District Southern Region USCG CDR
Elizabeth Young.
USCG Auxiliary Facility "Launch5" acted as mobile "incident command center", and was also the platform for the interagency divers. "The operation was seamless, its a real privilege to be involved in a drill of this magnitude with so many talented people" said Auxiliarist Greg Porteus, coxswain/owner of "Launch 5".
In addition to the Coast Guard Auxiliary, ten Westchester County fire, police and EMS agencies and seven Rockland County fire and police agencies participated. Also involved in the drill were the New York Waterways Ferry and New York State police departments.
"We conduct drills and exercises to assure the safety of all participants in the event of a disaster, whether they are the victims or the rescuers," said CDR Young.
"Today's exercise was designed so that participants who might be called to work together in the event of an incident on the Hudson River can practice their skills in a controlled environment."
Organizers said it was the first
such large scale drill in the area. The exercise attracted considerable media
with several area television stations videotaping the event for their newscasts.
Organizers deemed the exercise a success, noting that volunteer agencies and career response agencies successfully mustered their equipment and practiced important emergency response procedures.
Neil Sweeting, program administrator of the Westchester County Office of Emergency Management, designed the exercise.
Photos are available at http://www.auxpa.org/releases/auxaction/071005/071005-photo.html
The release is available at: http://www.auxpa.org/releases/auxaction/071005.html
By
Wayne Spivak, Chief -
External Communications, Public Affairs Department, United States Coast Guard
Auxiliary
http://www.auxpa.org
516-353-9155
Media@auxpa.org
25 JUNE 05
Spatial Disorientation Training & District Fly-In
on
Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida & USCG Air Station Cape Cod, MA.
Rick
Rick Veit and Sandy Weiser went to the Naval Air Station in Pensacola to participate in
Spatial Disorientation training for pilots. They also visited the Naval Air Station Museum which has a Coast Guard section. Soon after, they both participated in the District Aviation Fly-in
on USCG Air Station Cape Cod. Click the headline above for some photos.
18 JUNE 05
Poker Run 2005
On June 18, 2005 the National Power Boat Association held their annual Poker Run. Members of Division 6 teamed up with local Fire Departments to facilitate a smooth entrance and exit from the Ossining area.
Click on the Link below for more great photos of the event on Force67.com
Flotilla
06-07(Ossining, N.Y.) Website
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06 -17 JUNE 05
Small Boat Course for Local Law Enforcement
The Small Boat Course for Local Law Enforcement
(SBCLLE) was be run again June 6 through 17, 2005. The
Course, the second given for the Port Authority Police Department, was held at John F Kennedy Airport.
Facilities, Crew and Instructors for this important program from division 6
included Vinny Stafford, Bill smith, and Bob Daraio .
Please read the entire message at:
SMALL BOAT COURSE FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT
Also see the main page for the small boat training program at:
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28 MAY 05
Coast Guard Photographer Susan Blake took pictures of Coast Guard Swimmer dropped into Hudson near the Intrepid on May 28, 2005. USCG Auxiliary Facility Camelot: Coxswain DiPelesi, Helmsman Hurvich, Crew Horvitz, Susan Blake
27 MAY 05
Career Day at Greenburgh/ North Castle USFD
May 27, 2005
Lou Liotti, Sandy Weiser, Don Lloyd and Jim Picciano took part in the first Career Day at Greenburgh North Castle Union Free School District representing the US Coast Guard Auxiliary. Students at the school had the opportunity to take a safe boating class.
http://www.force67.com/PhotoGalleries/CareerDay2005/index.php
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21 MAY 05
Division 6 Crew Workshop May 21, 2005
On Saturday May 21, 2005 from 0830-1330 at the
Tarrytown Boat Club, Division 6 held a Coxswain/Crew Academy.
The workshop covered paperwork procedures, PFD maintenance, Lat/Lon charting, search pattern re-qualifications,
line inspection and towing techniques.
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21-27 MAY 05
NATIONAL SAFE BOATING WEEK
National Safe Boating Week is
now the "North American Safe Boating Campaign". The slogan for 2005 is "Boat
Smart. Boat Safe, Wear it!"
01 MAY 05
For Safety's Sake!
See the May issue of The USCG Auxiliary VE/PV Department Newsletter,
See Bob Daraio's article on Sport Utility Boats
This issue is full of great information including the RBS-Visitation Program, E-Mail Etiquette, Pass It On... I Want A VSC, Display of Vessel Registration Numbers and much more. As always, you can find this issue and past issues in the V-Dept. Newsletter Archive.
Click on the ribbon to see pictures of the AFCU
04-06 MAR 05
March District Awards Conference
(Left) National COMO, Gene Seibert and CDR John
Felker. (in front) VCO Tom Venezio,
RCO Frank Ferraiuolo and DCO Charlie Sferra. (Right) Don Lloyd Div 6 Vice
Captain.
Commodore Art Reichling and Sandy Weiser at the Conference
13 FEB 05
Morrow Bay Ice Breaking Mission - February 13, 2005
Fourteen Auxiliarists from the First Southern District (including Bill Smith from our flotilla) were invited to ride aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Morrow Bay during an ice breaking mission on New York's Hudson River.
Although the weather had been relatively warm, there was plenty of ice to clear as Morrow Bay performed "track maintenance". This is a process whereby large floes are broken up to keep them from clogging the narrower parts downriver.
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11-13 FEB 05
The USCG Auxiliary turned out in force at the Metro Boat Show in White Plains. In addition to a display booth offering literature and public affairs contact, several public education classes were given as well. Click on the link to Force67.com below to see great pictures of this event.
22, 29 JAN 05
AMERICA'S BOATING COURSE
ABC was offered on consecutive Saturdays, January 22nd and January 29th from 8am-12:00, at the Mt Pleasant community center. The center is located at: 125 Lozzo Drive, Valhalla, NY. Topics included:
Aids to navigation
Rules of the road
Legal requirements
Operation and seamanship
Boating terms
Trailering
Boat handling
Personal water craft required NYS certification
To reserve a spot for the next ABC by email, please
click here
or contact Bill Voss at (914) 941-2084. The cost is $60.00 per
student; Materials will be distributed at the first session.
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19 JAN 05
TED KAMP CROSSES THE BAR
On Wednesday January 19, 2005 a much loved Auxiliarist crossed the bar. Ted Kamp (pictured below center) founded Flotilla 6-7 in 1990.
There was a well attended memorial mass on Tuesday Jan 25, 2005 at 1230 at the First Presbyterian Church in Ossining: right across the street from the Ossining High School . Ted was great sailor, and will be missed.
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Angie &
Frank D. Maresca; Mrs. Louis Liotti; Connie & Alex Cascione; Gayle Daraio
Launch 5 Crew receives an Award from CDR. Felker
CDR John Felker with Dick Birgler DCP-06
Greg Porteus won Auxiliarist of the Year. Dick Birgler continues as Division Captain, Don Lloyd was sworn in as Division Vice Captain. You can view the photos on www.Force67.com
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01-09 JAN 05
NEW YORK NATIONAL BOAT SHOW 2005
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01 JAN 05
Congratulations to our Commodores
District 1SR Commodore and Mrs. Charles Sferra, below left)
(Rear Commodore Gail and Vice Commodore Thomas A. Venezio, above right, images by Ken Sommers.)
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JANUARY 2005
FEATURE ARTICLE
What's The Right Kind Of Boating Education?
By Wayne Spivak National
Press Corps
United States Coast Guard Auxiliary
We Need You
- The Coast
Guard Auxiliary is called upon to provide essential services to the Coast
Guard as they focus more heavily on their military missions. We need all the
help we can get. You needn't own a boat or be an experienced boater, since
our missions are wide-ranging. For information about Auxiliary missions and
the Auxiliary in general, go to our
Join the Auxiliary web page. You
will find there a form through which you can ask that a local Auxiliarist make
contact with you to explore the ways in which you can assist Team Coast Guard.
DIVISION 6 FLOTILLAS
014-06-03 (To Mahopac, N.Y.) 014-06-04 (To Verplanck, N.Y.)
014-06-05 (To Irvington, N.Y.) 014-06-66 (To Tarrytown, N.Y.)
014-06-66 (To Ossining, N.Y.) 014-06-08 (To Yonkers, N.Y.)
©2005 U.S.
Coast Guard Auxiliary
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District 1 SR Division 6 Westchester County, New York
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